Buzz on Youtopia

Youtopia 18, MAR A few weeks ago, I was invited through Twitter to learn more about Youtopia, an amazing platform for gamifying learning and service. Gamification is a motivational tool which commonly relies on “badges” or some other outside incentive to promote behavior. Think of “achievements” in video games – progressing in a game is a game in and of itself. Youtopia lets you take this mentality and apply it to students and club members. Nevertheless, the administrator of the group has the power to set badges and requirements for earning them, making this platform available for gamifying practically anything. The product is, in short, amazing; but the service is more astounding. I was given a free demonstration of the software and even invited to try the product out with any groups I’m involved with. More importantly, this invitation extends to anyone interested. If you are at all interested in this software, let me know, and I will connect you. Follow Zach on twitter @Zlipp and visit his blog

Education: How Games Help Your Academic Achievement

Approach the education system in a progressive, yet open innovative manner, introducing the power of “Gamification” within the education system as it exists today might just be the next best step to take. The education system is at the core already a game: you earn points (Grades) you get challenges (Exams) there are levels (For example: first to second grade is leveling up). Feedback In the current education system you’ll get lectures about a certain subject for weeks and weeks, closing the subject with a formal exam that will measure how much you know. Or how much you still remember from the last minute studying the day and/or night before. Splitting the subjects into smaller pieces, making them true “challenges” that you can accomplish very quickly one after the other would allow the players to go through the materials at their own pace. Adapting gradually to the complexity and difficulty of the subject, applying their newly discovered skills and/or tools for the next challenge. Engage A goal to engage users is by getting players to acknowledge their achievements! This is a very visual and audible sign indicating that the player was intrinsically motivated and is proud about his/her achievement. It is this kind of motivation that will trigger the urge of the player to continue towards the next challenge that is slightly more difficult to go through. Don’t Forget Social Media Of course it is not only the challenge concept and allowing people to fail that will motivate them to play, that would be too easy in this complex world we live in. The most important part here is to come up with the right “story” that incorporates the challenges and all other game-elements. Without a good story, the players […]

Gamification in Education: Creating New Techniques for Students

Gamification in education can be an effective motivational tool for engagement. Some educators spot increases in student engagement while others see skill acquisition benefits. It can also be a tool for enabling teachers to guide and reward their students and in terms of game mechanics, urgent optimism is a powerful force to get the classroom to take action quickly, keeping them on task and highly motivated. Some schools have developed a common core-based language arts curriculum that is entirely based on “World of Warcraft.” Algebraic equations are being solved by the implementation of “Angry Birds” to illustrate parabolic movement and provide students with impetus. Other programs, primarily those that focus on physical education, have even introduced “Dance Dance Revolution” to get the kids moving.

The New Pervasive Culture of Civic Engagement

Among various types of schools, faith-based (97%) and minority-serving (92%) institutions reported above average rates for missions that purposely drive the work of engagement. They also have strategic plans with a focus on civic engagement, and service-learning at 93% and 95%. These findings reflect the historic link between leadership and community development, which has resulted in a pervasive culture of engagement.

Words of Wisdom and Service Work

Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all. —Aristotle If you don’t like the way the world is, you change it. You have an obligation to change it. You just do it one step at a time. —Marian Wright Edelman You must be the change you wish to see in the world. —Mahatma Gandhi Imagine what a harmonious world it could be if every single person, both young and old, shared a little of what he is good at doing. —Quincy Jones We live in a world in which we need to share responsibility. It’s easy to say “It’s not my child, not my community, not my world, not my problem.” Then there are those who see the need and respond. I consider those people my heroes. —Mr. Rogers Related articles When Did We Forget the Purpose of Education? 2013-The Year of Uncommon Wisdom Spelman College WISDOM Center Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Ministry Conference and Book Launch Words of Wisdom